Saturday, December 28th, 2024: A chorus of barking dogs is maddening to my ears, Paul's breakfast, Waffles for Cayli & Ben, Cayli sleeps, my ham dinner, Michael's roast dinner, Rowan's pancake dinner, Michael chops wood, Town for gas, card games into the night

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sep 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Title Page & Introduction

Come Follow Me

The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ, part 2

Talk: "A Living Witness of the Living Christ' 

Bishop Causse, AGC 2020

October General Conference

'Sons & Daughters of God'

Elder Ruben V. Alliaud

Woke up to a chorus of barking dogs this morning. I forgot when I told Michael that he could bring Namira that the Gonzo's three dogs would be here. Shipley and Vader do not like Namira, they feel threatened by her. Who knows what Sophie thinks, she just likes to bark.

I went into the kitchen and Paul was frying bacon and cooking eggs. The dogs were barking loudly, and I said: "This can't go on all day. Stop barking." Paul sent Vader and Shipley downstairs and things settled down a bit. James and I have finished reading the Book of Mormon and all of the "Come Follow Me" lessons. In an effort to continue reading from the Book of Mormon everyday, we started over with the title page and the introduction, which we read today.

When Paul was making his breakfast I asked Ben if I could make him and Cayli some ham and eggs or some waffles. He said that waffles sounded good. I had no mixes so I made the waffles from scratch. They turned out really good. Michael had one and so did I, along with Ben & Cayli. I offered some to Rowan and friends but they turned me down.

Cayli spent most of the day sleeping. She got motion sickness going through Sal River Canyon last night. They went that way because Ben wanted to stop at Burger House and get green chili mixed burros. He also wanted to try their onion rings because he had heard they were really good. He said they were delicious. Cayli did come out and have some dinner with James, Ben, and I. I cooked some of the ham I bought, baked potatoes, green beans, corn, and rolls. 

Michael made dinner for his family, a pot roast with all of the fixings. I had a little bit and it was very good. Stacy said he made it for us, but I knew he was feeding his family and Alayna and that there wouldn't be enough for us too. 

Rowan, Grahm, and Tannen went into town and got a pancake mix and came home and made pancakes for themselves. There wasn't really any place for them to sit because the Paul, Michael, Alayna, and Joshua were playing a game at the dining room table and Stacy had the high table covered. 

I guess Rowan and friends are staying another night. James said he saw the three of them, Michael, Joshua, and Alayna all outside after dark playing a game.

Michael chopped up the rest of the wood from the tree they chopped down that last time they were here. The one whose branches broke off during our snow storm on November 4th. Michael worked about three hours. Thank you Michael!

James saddled the horses for Stacy, Alayna, and Joshua. I love this picture of Joshua on Apollo.

And this one, even though 

Joshua looks so serious.

James returned Pierce's auger with the Bobcat and ran out of gas in the Bobcat. I went and picked him up and then we went to town to get Diesel, which is what the Bobcat uses.

Tomorrow is Sunday so we went to bed early while some people stayed up and played cards. There was a card game going the night before too.

A series of photos taken by Rowan

and his friends, Grahm and Tannen

I love this!

Ruby got her learners permit!

Charlie putting on a show for her parents.

Friday, December 27th, 2024: Cold & windy, Owens Energy, Town, PO, HD, Wlmrt, Cayli, Ben, Michael & Namira, Joshua & Alayna's dinner, Rowan & friends

 

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 6:4; 19:18; 2 Nephi 25:23, 26; 33:4, 10

Come Follow Me

The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ, Part 1

October General Conference

'Sacred Scriptures - The Foundation of Faith'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"We are grateful for the noticeable increase in those who respond to sacred invitations, change their lives, and accept the opportunity to follow Jesus Christ. They enter the covenant path through faith, repentance, baptism, and confirmation as taught in the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon."

It was windy today, making it seem a lot colder than it was. Tom thought about going outside but decided to wait a little longer when he realized how cold it was.

Owens Energy came today and filled our propane tank. The only reason I know they came is that they left the bill on our front door. $1,862.93. Yikes! We also have our timeshare maintenance fees due on January 3rd, $1494.23. Oh yes, and the Razr, which James took in before 9 this morning, is going to cost over $2,000. No wonder we can't seem to save any money.

James and I went to town today. We stopped at the post office in Vernon on the way to pick up the mail. I had a package from Amazon and I thought it would be the monthly notebooks I ordered for the new year. When I opened the package I did not recognize the items inside. They looked like a row of rolled up cloths, nothing that I ordered. After investigating with the post office, we determined this was an Amazon error. They sent me the wrong item. No new notebooks. I need one to start January.

In town James went to Home Depot while I shopped at Walmart. I bought a ham, tortillas for chicken tacos, flour tortillas for cheese crisps, lots of cheese, rolls, green beans, and potatoes.

We have more people coming up tonight. Cayli & Ben, Michael and Namira, his dog, and Rowan and two of his friends who snowboarded today. Rowan said he and his friends just needed a place to sleep.

Joshua and Alayna made our dinner, parmesan chicken, roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes, and rolls. At the same time Rowan and his friends made a big pot of macaroni and cheese and ate it. The kitchen was busy and crowded. 

James and I were in bed before Michael, Namira, and Ben & Cayli got here.

Getting a Mason "fix" before

coming to Arizona.

Loved this car as a teenager

My little dumpling

 

Thursday, December 26th, 2024: Lazy day, unwrap gifts from Lois & Dawn, Loading the Razr, Dog, Sleeping Tom, Christmas movie w/ Tom

 

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 6; Alma 7:7-13; 11:40; Helaman 5:9; 14:16-17

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world.

October General Conference

'Behold I am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Our love is evident when we sustain one another in His work. We sustain our living prophet at general conference, and the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Authorities, and Officers of the Church. To sustain means to hold up another person, to give them our attention, to be faithful to their trust, to act upon their words. They speak by inspiration of the Lord; they understand the current issues, the moral decline of society, and the adversary's increasing efforts to thwart the Father's plan. In holding up our hands, we are committing our support, not just for that moment but in our daily lives."

I was wondering this morning how Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Alayna, Shipley, Sophie, and Vader all ride together in their small car. I did see a photo of Paul driving and Vader sitting on his lap. I guess everyone could hold a dog with one person to spare.

Today was a lazy day for me. I worked on my blog, and unwrapped Christmas gifts from Lois and Dawn. They gave both James and I a $50 Amazon gift card, just like we gave them. Each of us also got a $50 Amazon card from Sheri and Ian, and a $40 one from Kim and Brian. Lois and Dawn gave me a box of purple towels, like the ones last year, two blouses, and a nail drying device and a cute bag of nail supplies. 

From Sheri we got a framed picture of both of us with Cayli and Ben at the wedding. Everyone else looks great and I look frumpy.

James got a plaid shirt from his Mom and Dawn and he also got a new wallet. He gets a new wallet every year.

James loaded up the Razr on the trailer so he can take it in tomorrow morning. Joshua and Alayna helped him. Alayna was steering the Razr and Joshua was trying to clear rocks out of the way. James appreciated their help because he couldn't have done it by himself.

Stacy is working on a puzzle at the high table, the nativity set is pushed to front of the table to make room. Paul has to work and he has his computer set up at the dining room table next to where James works. I keep my bedroom door closed so that the dogs can't come in and bother Tom who did a lot of sleeping today.

Instead of making the chicken they were going to make yesterday, the Gonzo's and Alayna went in to town to eat at Pizza Factory. James and I ate leftovers. Afterwards the Gonzo's went shopping at Safeway. Stacy says that out of the 8 items she wanted, Safeway only had 4, they didn't even have eggs, so they had to go to Walmart too. While they were gone, the dogs were very well behaved, lying on blankets, looking bored.

Tom and I watched a Christmas movie this evening while James walked and listened to his book. He is two books a head of me now. We went to bed and Tom, instead of sleeping at the end of our bed, slept on the recliner.

Trina's extended family,

The Cases

Shawn & Anna

Charlie:

Soleil Hoose

7 months old

Lego Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 25th, 2024: Merry Christmas! Stacy, Paul, Adam, Jared Ammon, James & I watch Joshua open his gifts, breakfast @ Sheri's, Home to Vernon, Asian Bistro for dinner, Stacy's puzzle, "Flapjack"

 

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 1:4-22

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ Was Born to be my Savior.

Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 2; 3 Nephi 1:4-22

October General Conference

'The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth'

Elder Takashi Wada

" A particularly sacred experience was when the missionaries taught me to pray. I learned that we should address God by name. When we pray, we should speak from our hearts, express our gratitude, and share our hopes and desires."

Merry Christmas!

We slept in until after 8 o'clock. Joshua was anxious to go downstairs and open gifts so everyone got up, Stacy, Paul, Adam, and James and I. Oh yes, Jared Ammon was here too although he didn't spend the night.

Stacy gave the family prayer before Joshua started opening his gifts while the rest of us watched. His stocking was full and he emptied it then opened several shirts. Stacy also got him a jacket but it isn't here yet. She got Adam one gift to open but because of cash flow she and Paul weren't able to buy the other boys any gifts. Part of Joshua's gift is also coming to the cabin with Alayna on Christmas day.

After we were finished James and I went upstairs and began packing. We have the family breakfast at Sheri's at 10 and then we are leaving for home right afterwards. I have been thinking about Tom and wondering how he is doing. He is outside and Easton Crane, the boy James hired to feed the horses and the cats, has not seen either cat. He leaves food out and the food gets eaten, but he has not seen either Tom or Sammie.

At Sheri's James is making his famous venison gravy only instead of venison it's beef. Darrel and Trina brought the beef, several packages of stew meat. I was the sous chef and James and I both started cutting up meat. In the meantime Sheri was cooking bacon and scrambled eggs. Kim and Brian brought a huge container of biscuits and Paul brought orange juice. We brought the paper goods and flatware. Stacy didn't come. She doesn't eat in the morning and she thought it would be too hard to watch everyone else eat. 

It was pretty chaotic with everyone talking and eating and the dogs barking, especially when Adam should up with Shipley, that really set Ollie and Ziggy. I'm wondering Adam, why?

People ate eggs and bacon and then they were waiting for the gravy and biscuits. James kept cooking and I kept cutting up meat. Finally we had everyone fed, even ourselves. I even got Trina to try some of the meat and gravy just as she was leaving. I'm not sure whether she liked it or not. Not only did James cook, but he cleaned up the kitchen too so I could visit with Kim and Sheri. The only people not here were Stacy, Dallin, and Alex, and of course Jared's family. I miss Alex. He won't come anywhere his dad is going to be. It is so sad.

It was a beautiful sunny day here in Chandler By the time we left for home, it was afternoon. We had to go back to Stacy's to get our ice chest and then we headed for the hills. We went the Globe way and stopped in Globe to get gas. 

The higher we climbed, the cooler it got. When we got home the first thing that both James and I did was call for Tom. I was in the front and James was by the door on the deck by our bedroom. James yelled Tom a couple of times and Tom came running and ran right in the door. When I came in I fed him his treat, which he devoured. He followed me around meowing and talking to me. I imagined him tell me how much he missed me and how cold it was outside. Finally I spread his blanket on the recliner and he laid down and fell asleep. I finished putting our stuff away before Stacy, Paul, Joshua, and Alayna got here. 

Before we got home Stacy called and said she had forgotten the parmesan cheese and the broccoli for dinner. Neither Stacy nor I want to cook so she asks if there are any Chinese restaurants that might be open. I told her the only one I could think of was the Asian Bistro in Lakeside. She, Paul, Joshua, and Alayna ate there and brought us back our dinner. I had orange chicken with lo mien noodles and James ordered the lettuce wraps. We love the lettuce wraps at Pei Wei and P.F. Changs. These lettuce wraps were too spicy hot for James and for me too. I told him he could have some of my food but he isn't really a fan of orange chicken.

Stacy started doing a puzzle on the high table. It's a puzzle that Alayna's mom gave her for Christmas. Paul, Joshua, and Alayna watched "Flapjack" on the TV. I said good night to everyone and went in to get ready for bed. James was in the bedroom with my phone, walking.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Tom, in his happy place

She can bring home the bacon....

Missionaries

Our biggest surprise and delight!

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024: Bass Pro Shop & Deseret Bk for James, Polar Pop, I wrap blankets, Joe's Real BBQ beans, Walgreens and gift deliveries, Stacy & Paul's Christmas Eve celebration

 

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 11; 13:36; Mosiah 3:5-10; Helaman 4:1-13

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ was born to be my Savior.

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots and the Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"One of the most important things we can learn in this life is the difference between what is eternal and what is not. Once we understand that, everything changes - our relationships, the choices we make, the way we treat people. Knowing what is eternal and what is not is key to growing a testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church."

Merry Christmas Eve from Charlie!

James woke up with a bee in his bonnet about going to Bass Pro Shop and spending his gift card that he has had for several months. At first, I reminded him that he was gone half the day yesterday and he had said he wished he could help me. I could tell I was upsetting him, so I changed my tune. I said he should go after we get the unwrapped blankets out of the car so I could finish wrapping while he was gone. He got the blankets out, went and got me a Polar Pop and then left for Bass Pro Shop. When he finished at Bass Pro he went to Deseret Book to get some garments. He also renewed my Platinum Rewards card which cost him $25, and later I learned he also got me a $50 gift card. 

I finished wrapping the rest of the Chandler and Mesa gifts around noon. I still have Jared & Kacey's family's gifts to wrap at home. I was thinking I would send them back to Texas with them when they come until I realized they are flying and won't be able to take them with them on the plane. Duh.

Tonight we are eating with the Gonzales's. Paul is making tri-tip sandwiches. I asked Stacy if we could bring anything and she said maybe a side if we wanted to. The first thing I thought of was Joe's beans from Joe's Real BBQ. I called and ordered a large container that is supposed to feed 24. The girl asked me if I wanted them hot or cold and I said hot because James and I will eat some of them for lunch.

It was afternoon when James returned and we set out for Joe's. We got there around 1 and they were very busy. Lots of people were ordering food for Christmas and Joe's closes at 3 today. James picked up the beans and I got the re-heating instructions so I can warm the beans up this evening before we eat dinner. I had forgotten how much we love these beans. We had our fill for lunch, and still look forward to eating them tonight.

We have gifts to deliver. I made a schedule of deliveries and off we went. First stop was the local Walgreen's to get Amazon gift cards for Lois and Dawn. We got them Christmas cards while we were shopping at Walmart last night. Next stop, Kim and Brian's. We delivered their gifts and then Kim had cards she wanted us to take over to James's mom and Dawn.

Next we left for Darrel & Trina's. They were all home, and we sat around the Christmas tree and visited for a while. Trina noticed my teeth and commented on how good they looked. I thanked her. On the way out Trina showed us her Botox room. I sat in the comfy chair. I told her I knew I needed Botox but I wouldn't be getting any, at least for a while. She said it works better on people who are in their late 30's and 40's. I guess it's too late for me anyway.

Later Trina texted me and told me they loved their blankets and she especially loved hers. I specifically picked it for her because it looks like a two-colored cow. Hers is brown and white and Darrel's is black and white. I don't have a picture of Darrel & Trina's but here is a picture of the kids with their blankets. I wish I had known how much Addy likes Batman, I would have gotten her a Batman blanket.

Addy, Lola, Ruby, and Rowan

Over to Tempe to see Dawn and Lois. We gave them their cards from Kim. Kim sent a letter telling Lois they had made a donation to help families in need and Lois made the comment, "This just makes my Christmas."

On the way to Darrel & Trina's I developed a terrible pain in my upper left shoulder. I couldn't even move my arm. Dawn let me use their vibrator, which felt so good. She also made me a small meat burro. We gave them their cards with the gift cards inside and they gave us a pile of gifts. It is always like this.

When I left, my arm was still in a great deal of pain. We stopped at Sheri and Ian's and I didn't even get out of the car. James and Sheri took the gifts inside. 

Sheri said how much she hates Christmas and I made the comment, "well, let's simplify so we don't feel so stressed and let's make it more about the Savior." Later Sheri texted and said they all loved their blankets. That was nice of her.

Back at Stacy and Paul's I went upstairs, took some Tramadol and laid down on the bed to rest. Hopefully I can feel better soon so I can go down and have dinner with the family. Stacy and James brought me something to eat. My arm felt a little better so I went down to be with the boys, they were all there, including Sammi, Dallin's girlfriend.

After dinner they had a little program. By the way, everyone loved the beans and there was less than a bowlful left. Paul and Stacy bore their testimonies and so did James. I bore a short one and then we played a game where we each drew someone's name and had to tell what we like about them. I got Jared Ammon and James got me. It was a nice way to end the evening. I so much enjoyed being here and I am so grateful that I came down. I truly felt the Spirit.

After the program everyone opened their blankets and seemed to like them.

Hiking A mountain is a tradition for

Darrel & Trina's family, and

Sheri and her boys

Evan had to work today. He works as a jumper for Ian on

his UPS truck.

Walking memory

Dennis and Kyle's girls

Lexy, Suzy, Tristan, Lacey & Trina

making candles.

Guess who is seven months old today?

So cute!